US lifts first sanction against Burma

Share via

William Hague met Aung San Suu Kyi during his visit in DecemberApichart Weerawong/AP

Anne Barrowclough

Last updated at 5:28AM, February 7 2012

Washington has taken the small but significant step of lifting one of many
sanctions against Burma in recognition of the moves the Government has
recently taken toward political reform.

Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, yesterday signed a partial waiver
of restrictions imposed on Burma under the Trafficking Victims Protection
Act.

It will allow assessment missions and limited technical assistance by
international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the Asian
Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund, although they will
still be banned from offering loans to Burma.